Enlarged Prostate Specialist

Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center

Urologists located in Hemet, CA

Many men develop an enlarged prostate as they get older. In fact, studies show that by age 60, more than 50% of men have one. At Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center, urologists Girdhari Purohit, MD, FACS, James Hendricks, MD, FACS, and the team offer safe, effective treatments for an enlarged prostate. To make an appointment at the practice in Hemet, California, call the office or click the online booking tool today.

Enlarged Prostate Q & A

What is an enlarged prostate?

An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition that’s especially common in men who are 50 and older. When left untreated, an enlarged prostate can trigger a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, making it difficult to fully empty your bladder.  

Fortunately, with early diagnosis and intervention, it’s relatively easy to treat an enlarged prostate. Depending on your individual needs, your provider might recommend prescription medication, minimally invasive targeted therapies, or surgery.

What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

Common symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:

  • Frequent or sudden urges to urinate
  • Increased need to urinate at night
  • Difficulty starting urination
  • A weak urine stream that stops and starts
  • Dribbling at the end of urination

If you have an enlarged prostate, you might also notice that it’s difficult to completely empty your bladder.

When should I see a urologist about an enlarged prostate?

If you experience any type of urinary problems, make an appointment at Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center right away. Even if the issues don’t bother you, it’s important to identify and treat the underlying cause. Without prompt intervention, the risk of a urinary tract infection or more serious complications increases.

Who is at risk of an enlarged prostate?

Any man can experience an enlarged prostate, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

  • Being age 50 or older
  • Having a father or grandfather with an enlarged prostate
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease

You’re also more likely to experience an enlarged prostate if you’re overweight. Therefore, it’s important to eat a balanced, nutritious diet and to exercise regularly.

How is an enlarged prostate diagnosed?

To diagnose an enlarged prostate, your provider asks a series of questions, including when your symptoms first started, their severity, and if any beverages, foods, or medication seem to trigger them. Next, they conduct a digital rectal exam (DRE) and order laboratory tests, including urinalysis, blood work, and a prostate-specific antigen test.

If laboratory work doesn’t provide enough information, your provider conducts several other tests, including a urinary flow test and a postvoid residual volume test. A urinary flow test measures the force of your urine, while a postvoid residual volume test determines the amount of urine left in your bladder after urinating.

How is an enlarged prostate treated?

Treatment of an enlarged prostate depends on the size of your prostate, your age, and overall health. Depending on your needs, your provider might recommend prescription medication, laser therapy, embolization, an in-office prostate microwave procedure, or minimally invasive surgery.

If you’re concerned you have an enlarged prostate, make an appointment at Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.